Japan Latest Gadget Technology News

SANWA USB Humidifier, another one on the Market

2009-11-13T08:19:00.003-08:00

Working through Ultrasonic waves, USB-TOY52 Humidifier is presented as a counter-measure against the dry-eye problem of people who have to work long hours before the computer screen. It is a compact device (W80×D60×H160mm), weighs 450 gr.and costs 5,229 yen.

Actually, compared with the USB Humidifier by Greenhouse we introduced 2 days ago New humidifiers from Green House, Humidify your air with SuperSonic WaVeS, it is even heavier and more expensive.

Anyways, choice is up to you..

DosPara new Prime Raytrek now available

2009-11-13T08:19:00.001-08:00

DosPara launched yesterday a new i5 powered Desktop, the Prime Raytrek. A quite descent computer for your basic gaming needs and overall Video ones. You will find under the “hood” a Core i5-750, with 4GB of RAM, a GeForce GT220, 1TB of HDD, and a DVD SuperMulti…

This desktop is sold in Japan with Windows 7 Home Premium at 87,980 Yen (656€).

6 Apps for Windows Mobile by KONAMI Digital Entertainment

2009-11-13T08:18:00.002-08:00

Konami has recently announced its 6 applications for Windows Mobile: Dance Dance Revolution S, Mobile Pawafuru Proyakyu (baseball game), Konami Sudoku, Konami Solitaire as well as the shooting games Gradius II and TwinBee. Except for the Mobile Pawafuru Proyakyu (available only in Japan) , all of them will be able to be downloaded not only in Japan but also in the US and Canada. They will be launched in December coinciding with the launch of the Japanese version of Windows Market Place for Mobile.

Hallods F43 MP4 Player, your 4.3” PMP with a 1280x720p resolution

2009-11-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Well finally, someone produced a real PMP with HD resolution! Yep the Hallods F43 MP4 Player, is among the first PMP available in Japan to have a 4.3” screen with a 1280x720p resolution as well as supporting HD Videos and micro SDHC cards up to 16GB and having 8GB of internal memory. The Hallods F43 MP4 Player will let you enjoy MPEG4, FLV, H.263, AVI, RM, RMVB, Divx-WVGA videos as well as Photo and audio files (MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE).

This PMP is available in Japan now, and for those who are not living in Japan, rest assured, this product will be added to Geekstuff4U.com catalog pretty soon !

ASUS 16.5mm 23” stylish LCD MS236H now also available in Japan

2009-11-13T08:17:00.003-08:00

The MS236H (Designo MS), which happens to be widely available in Europe, is now heading to Japan for a nationwide launch tomorrow with a street price of 28800 Yen.

Our Monitor is a 23” LCD with a full HD resolution (1920x1080), has 250 cd/m2 brightness, a 2ms (GTG) response time, 50000:1 active contrast ratio and offers both HDMI and DVI-HDCP.

Hell freezes over, Exemode to actually offer an acceptable HD Camera?

2009-11-13T08:17:00.001-08:00

Good lord, today is not a Friday 13th for nothing, and today it seems that everything is possible, like say exemode actually releasing a compact video camera which may be worth to buy after all ! Behold the ServersMan Mini or better known as ADV-1025HD, a compact video camera (53x125x57mm) with 128MB of internal memory capable of recording full HP videos in either 1080/60i or 30p, as well as 720/60p or 30p,and offering a super slow motion mode with videos up to 240fps at 432x240…
Finally, our camera supports SDHC cards up to 16GB, records videos in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and has both a USB 2.0 Port and HDMI.

Panasonic’s latest multimedia audio system available

2009-11-13T08:16:00.003-08:00

Remember our news back in October [CEATEC 09- Live] Panasonic All in One Multimedia Hands-On about the launch of this all-in-one multimedia device which serves not only as a photo frame but also an i-Pod dock, CD player, video player etc.? It's been announced to be also available in the US in this December.

MiniPC Japan new Core 2 Duo powered CX45

2009-11-13T08:16:00.001-08:00

In just 190x230x66mm the new CX45 is MiniPC Japan latest fan-less Lilliputian desktop. Supporting a wide range of CPUs from the Dual Core T3400 to the Core 2 Duo Mobile T5500 up to the T9600 (Socket P with a 667/800/1066Mhz FSB) our GX45 is a full concentrate of raw power.
Available in BTO, you will have the possibility to install up to 4GB of RAM (1066MHz) in it, a 500GB 2.5” SATA HDD, has 2 USB 2.0 port, 2RJ45 Port with Gigabit Ethernet. Depending of you setting you can also offer to your GX45 an eSATA port as well as a DVI port… If needed you can also had another pair of RJ45 port too.

Made for being an incredibly powerful and compact Mini Server, the CX45 can be bought in Japan very shortly.

EYE LASH CURL joins the USB Craze thanks to THANKO

2009-11-13T08:15:00.005-08:00

It is no secret how much girls are fond of Curly Lovely Eye Lashes for an enchanting dramatic look. It is like add this last ingredient to the potion, and get ready to enjoy the magical effect on your prey …
Being fully aware of this, Thanko decided to run to the assistance of the GUYS with its new USB Eye Lash Curl . Yes, you’ve heard it right. We know how much of a toil it can be sometimes to find a nice, non-cliché gift for your female friend, your date, spouse…Now you know where exactly to look at :
geekstuff4u.com

Thanko, new USB UV Sanitizer case for Toothbrush

2009-11-13T08:15:00.003-08:00

If your friends call you “Monk” for whatever reasons, then you will be pleased to know that Thanko has now a new USB powered wonder with its UV Sanitizer case for Toothbrush in their catalog … That means as of now, you will be able to sanitize your toothbrush at any time at the office or on the Go … Man… USB really changed our lives !

Available OF COURSE on GeekStuff4U.com.

Pioneer's new TAD-D600 player is the most magnificient player

2009-11-13T08:14:00.003-08:00

It’s been quite a while since I haven’t been impressed by the design of a SACD and CD player, but Pioneer’s TAD-D600 is what I call a masterpiece. However, beauty is just one thing, another important thing here is the capacity of the TAD-D600 to provide the best sound possible, and this is what (on the paper, since we could not test this baby) exactly we have here.
Like any high-end SCAD player, our TAD-D600 features a 192kHz/24 DA Converter, an UPCG Master Clock (Ultra High Precision Crystal Generator), XLR, and so on.

Now ready to invest in this new baby? Well get ready to start saving right now, since this bad boy costs 1 arm and 1 leg (from what I heard) with a price of 2.6 Million Yen (19390€).

VIDEOS Neo, Toshiba's latest flash memory based Broadcasting Server

2009-11-13T08:14:00.001-08:00

Ok folks, I have some difficulties in fully understanding this piece of news, so just in case I happen to be wrong, do not hesitate to correct me.
So Toshiba today announced in Japan the VIDEOS Neo, an High Speed flash memory based Broadcasting server offering a 700Mbps transfer rate for MXF files based on the SMTPE standard, as well as being capable of outputting HD images through 40 different ports with a 60TB maximum capacity…

Specs are
Video
HD-SDI : SMPTE 292M,1080i,720p
SD-SDI : SMPTE 259M,480i

Audio
AES 8ch(16ch)
Dolby Digital

BD-HDS43, Sharp new Blu-Ray HDD combo

2009-11-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

Sharp just announced another Blu-Ray and HDD combo with the BD-HDS43. What so special about this new Combo, well in fact not much, the BD-HDS43 is a mid level Blu-Ray HDD combo with a single Digital and Analog TV tuner, 320GB of HDD and the capacity to record in dual Layer Blu-Ray disk.

This new BD-HDS43 will be sold within the end of this month in Japan at around 85000 Yen.

2009-11-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Exilim Casio EX-FS10, is a new compact point and shoot designed to please golfers or golfers in need to improve their swing.

Thanks to a dedicated software embedded in the camera, the EX-FS10 will help you analyze your posture and then improve your swing by better placing your elbow, arms or head. In addition to this feature, our camera also includes Casio 1000fps burst mode on top of the usual 420, 210 and 30fps.
Thanks to this burst mode, Exilim will also be able to analyze your overall swing process and then again help you to understand better why you have been continuously slicing each ball.

Other specs include a 9.1Mpix Camera sensor, 31.9MB of internal memory, 720/30p video recording, 3x Optical zoom in just 139g and a size of 97.1x59.4x16.3mm

Wireless Presenter Mouse by Earth Trek, 2-in-1

2009-11-06T20:44:00.003-08:00

Hong Kong company Earth Trek did their part to back you up during your presentations with their handy gadget LTD 27-008 Wireless Presenter Mouse. With its 8-direction cursor, it is now possible to control your notebook at a distance during your presentations while also utilizing it as a laser pointer when needed. Another detail that is worth mentioning is its black screen function which you can use at your convenience once you would like to draw attention to your speech rather than the screen.

Toyota partnering for LTE Connected Car Concept Vehicle

2009-11-06T20:44:00.001-08:00

Brain-child of a “multi-industry collaboration” among Toyota Motor Sales, Alcatel-Lucent, Atlantic Records, QNX Software Systems, chumby and Kabillion, this next-generation car concept makes you feel impatient for the future to come. Introduced recently by the ng Connect Program as “a sophisticated, next-generation “smart” device on wheels supported by the most advanced wireless broadband networking technology available”, this 4G/LTE (long term evolution) car concept sure seems cool enough for imagining it to be our next mobile buddy.

Yet, another ultra compact FLCOS Projector

2009-11-06T20:43:00.003-08:00

Princeton's latest projector, the PPR-QT Series, is an ultra compact video projector with a 50x50x50mm size and a tiny weight of just 120g. Yep, that for sure is a compact projector, but don’t expect any further from it as this baby is only capable of supporting 300x224 resolution and offers only a 100:1 contrast ratio.

Don’t know about you, but 300x224 is WAY too small for me… like a compact video projector. Hey, come on !!! Bring us at LEAST VGA resolution.

Otas new Spy Glasses and MP3 player Combo

2009-11-06T20:43:00.001-08:00

Wanna look cool, listen to music and spy on your friends? Well today is your lucky day thanks to the latest MG-F566V by Otas, which comes with a video camera capable of recording video in VGA at 12fps as well as shooting pictures in 1280x1024, a basic MP3 player (also supporting WMA) and 4GB of internal memory.

And since we are talking about glasses I am sure you will be happy to know that our MG-F566V offers the basic UV cut necessary to protect, somehow your cute little eyes.

Available now on GeekStuff4U.com

Qnap and Hikvision collaboration for better Network Surveillance Solution

2009-11-06T20:42:00.004-08:00

The news has just dropped that Hikvision Network Cameras are supported by QNAP VioStor series network video recorders (NVR). Consumers will soon benefit from the “technical synergy” of the Taiwanese Qnap Security and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co.Ltd., headquartered in China, combining the expertise of the first in NVR with the 30 years of experience of the latter in high-performance network cameras.

3 New light and compact electronic dictionaries from Canon.

2009-11-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

Canon Japan just announced 3 new WordTanks, a series of compact electronic dictionaries featuring a 2.4” color LCD with a QVGA resolution.

Divided in 2 categories within the Wordtank S502, a Heavy Duty Japanese - English dictionary created for the people who are asking for the best package solution, the S501E and S501J are however, built more for the casual users and offer on the S501J series a Hiragana keyboard only.

Golfure Konami Digital's latest Golf game for Japanese Mobile Phones

2009-11-06T20:40:00.001-08:00

Konami Digital has been offering in Japan a new Golf Game named “Golfure”since yesterday . There is nothing much to say about this particular game except the fact that contrary to the usual pretty straight forward golf video games, Konami, owing to their hard work, seems to have managed to offer the best visual effect possible with a full 3D game with graphics equivalent to those of a DSi for example.

Golfure is only available on a limited number of Japanese phones such as the DoCoMo 905 and 706 series as well as AU KDDI phone supporting BREW 3.1 or 4.

Samsung Universal New Print Driver

2009-11-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, no need to install seperate drivers for each printer on your network anymore thanks to the universal protocol of Samsung’s new Printer Driver which is compatible with almost all the laser printers on the market. Sounds even better than the actual saying goes, kill a Flock of Birds with one stone.

DIR-1040SS, lets you fit 4 2.5” in a 5” bay.

2009-11-06T20:38:00.001-08:00

Right, you may not have an urgent need for a 4 2.5” Rack bay in your computer, but if you are planning to mount a mini server, or have four 2.5” HDD laying around, or just want to build up the perfect RAID 0 setup (Via Software, or additional Hardware controller only) in the most compact case, the DIR-1040SS from Dirac is exactly what you are looking for.

New amazing Dragon Ball Headphones available in Japan

2009-11-06T20:37:00.003-08:00

25 years later, one of the most famous manga series, Dragon Ball, still continues to be turned in goodies, in derivative products… And yesterday, a Japanese company introduced a limited product, something that will surely be a Best-Seller: The DRAGON BALL HEADPHONES!
You’ll have to choose between the Kame Headphones featuring the Chinese character “Turtle”, and the Dragon Ball Headphones, which bear the four stars of Dragon Ball.

No technical specification, but who cares? These headphones are amazing!

Need it? Just take a look a Geekstuff4U.com’s Catalog. They will be released in January 2010

2 New PSP Packs from Sony in Japan

2009-11-06T20:37:00.001-08:00

Sony announced yesterday 2 new packs for the Japanese market. They both include a PSP-3000. However, while the first includes a new pouch, a 4GB Memory Stick and a cloth with SCEI logo and sold at 19800 Yen, the other one has Monster Hunter portable 2G and is sold at 18500 Yen.

Panasonic's new D-Dock is simply slick and beautiful

2009-11-06T20:36:00.003-08:00

Some may say that our new D-Dock SC-HC4/HC3 revived B&O influence in its design, but personally I don’t care that much here as I am quite fond of this new D-Dock.

Specs-wise nothing breath taking, the SC-HC4/HC3 offers a 2x20W output at 6Ω, can be connected to the entire iPod line-up, has a FM and AM Radio tuner, a CD player, a SD Card reader and supports AAC, MP3 and WMA files.

Finally, only the SC-HC4 version will be capable of transferring or ripping any CDs into SD or SDHC cards at a speed up to 8x.

Samsung's new autonomous vacuum cleaner

2009-11-06T20:36:00.001-08:00

Not sure why this model is fooling around with Samsung's latest Autonomous Vacuum cleaner on her bed, but hey… if she needs help… I am always available!

Anyway, our new vacuum cleaner, the “Tango” seems to be fully loaded with not less than 13 sensors, a new and improved gyro sensor, a camera, newly designed brush to better swipe the floor as well as featuring a new crash avoiding sensor.

TSST new elegant Korean DB-ROM and DVD Writer

2009-11-06T20:35:00.002-08:00

TSST or Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation, announced in Korea a new BD-ROM and DVD Writer combo, the SH-B083A or SH-B083L, which just happens to be the most elegant ODD I have seen in years…

Two bright data projectors from Mitsubishi Electric

2009-11-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

There comes the new brother projectors from Mitsubishi, the LVP-XD 600 and LVP-XD 620, in their compact bodies , weighing 3.6 kg and featuring 4000 lm and 4500 lm respectively. They also both have a long-durance lamps of about 5000 hours and their interface is provided with analog D-Sub/HDMI and S/composite video input to mention but two.

Besides the aforementioned specs, LVP-XD 600 is also equipped to support 3D contents display by simultaneously using 3D glasses.

Toshiba announces the world's largest 1.8” HDD with a 320GB Capacity

2009-11-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Toshiba just announced the world's largest 1.8” HDD with a 320GB Capacity, its name is… the MK3233GSG. Our mighty little HDD features a 16MB of cache and a 5400rpm Speed.

Three notebooks and three desktops PC from Lenovo

2009-10-31T22:02:00.001-07:00

Lenovo has unveiled three IdeaPad series notebooks (Lenovo IdeaPad U150, U550 and Y550P) and three IdeaCentre series desktops (Lenovo IdeaCentre B500, K300 and H230). In addition to this list come the new versions of netbooks and these are the ultra-portable IdeaPad U350 and IdeaPad S10-2 model. All products are supplied with factory pre-installed Windows 7 OS.

The first presentation in the queue is Lenovo IdeaPad Y550P laptop, using the Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia graphics card (model not specified). Other components of the Lenovo IdeaPad Y550P are a 15.6-inch screen HD display, integrated sound system and Dolby Home Theater SlideNav touch.

The next model is presented Lenovo IdeaPad U150, its dimensions are 13.5mm, while the weight of 1.35kg. Lenovo IdeaPad U150 notebook has a 11.6-inch display, the processor (depending on choice) Pentium Dual Core or Core 2 Duo, 8GB of RAM, integrated graphics Intel GMA X4500. According to manufacturer, in normal working time, its battery should be up to 7 hours.

Another device is Lenovo IdeaPad U550 with 24mm thick size. The Lenovo IdeaPad U550 laptop has a 15.6-inch display white native resolution of 1366×768 pixels, has a choice of Pentium or Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, hard disk with a maximum capacity of 320GB, DVD burner, fingerprint reader.

In addition, Lenovo IdeaPad U550 notebook has brings Ambient Light Sensor Technologies; it is responsible for automatically matching screen brightness based on lighting conditions as well as VeriFace face recognition software.

Now, they are Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 All-in-One PC, it comes with 23-inch Full HD LCD white native resolution 1920×1080 pixels. The Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 computer offers an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 1TB of hard drive storage, built-in speakers and remote control, which can be used as a controller for some games.

Another PC is Lenovo IdeaCentre K300 is also equipped with an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, up to 8GB of RAM, hard drives working in RAID mode and the Radeon HD 4870 X2 GPU. The Lenovo IdeaCentre K300 computer is valued depending on the configuration and starting of $499 to $$ 1,999.

The final model is presented Lenovo IdeaCentre H230; it can already be purchased at a price of $299. Lenovo IdeaCentre H230 desktop PC is equipped with processor (depending on your choice): Celeron, Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad. The Lenovo IdeaCentre H230 has up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, hard disk drive with up to 1TB, 16-in-1 memory card reader, and Nvidia graphics card from AMD.

OPPO SMART S33 touchscreen MP4 player

2009-10-31T22:01:00.001-07:00

Without a doubt, OPPO SMART S33 media player is nice and neatly made. It is much like iPod Touch, that’s only WiFi is not supported.

In general, OPPO SMART S33 is basic touchscreen personal media player with modest abilities. Specifications of OPPO SMART S33 are:

- 3-inch touchscreen LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels
- ID3 (metadata, for example; Songwriter, album name, etc.)
- LRC (simultaneous playback of songs and it has text on the display)
- TTX
- FM tuner
- 4 GB internal memory
- Video playback formats: AVI, RM, RMVB, MEPG1, MEPG2, MEPG4, ASF, VOB, and DAT
- Plays audio files format: mp3, wma, ape, FLAC, OGG, wav, AAC

OPPO SMART S33 touchscreen MP4 player has dimensions 94.4×53.3×9.9mm.

The OPPO SMART S33 player is pre-installed a few games: Fishing, Constellation love, Lianliankan. It can be used also as a calendar, karaoke, a timer and notepad. It is also support for resource management (copy, paste, delete, encryption, decryption, hidden).

And all of this is for $110.

Source
OPPO SMART S33 touchscreen MP4 player

Hello Kitty Crystal MP3 Player with 300 Swarovski

2009-10-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Japanese company, Mouse Computer proudly presents a dazzling player, Hello Kitty Crystal MP3 Player. However, it is more blinding than the dazzling, as it is studded with 300 Swarovski crystals.

Hello Kitty MP3 Player comes with 2GB of internal memory and comes with earphones, which are specially designed for it by Japanese designers. A Hello Kitty player is capable for playing MP3 and WMA files, it is also has five equalizer settings (EQ Presets): normal, Jazz, classical music, pop, and rock. The main keys (play, stop, volume, etc.) are located on the back of the player. It has USB 2.0 connectivity.

Dimensions of Hello Kitty luxury player are 47.2×18x37.5 mm and weight is 19grams. It is provides plays music for 10 hours.

Hello Kitty Crystal MP3 Player is available in Japan market starting October 30th, 2009. And it is costs of 13,800 yen ($150).

Aiptek T30 pico projector debuts in Europe

2009-10-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

Aiptek, known manufacture of micro projectors, released its new pico projector on market in November 2009, but only in Europe. It is Aiptek T30 pico projector.

Recall that the T30 is smallest pico projector from Aiptek. Despite its modest size, Aiptek T30 is boasts the presence of the following specifications:
- Brightness: 15 ANSI lumens
- Contrast: 200:1
- Resolution: VGA (640 x 480 pixels)

Aiptek T30 pico projector has a RGB LED Light projector which able to display a picture with a diagonal of 65-inch. It is also has an AV jack and it is compatible with the iPhone and iPod. Aiptek T30 pico projector has costs of $445.

Source
Aiptek T30 pico projector debuts in Europe

Allcam CP1 Handheld Computer Portable Pico Projector

2009-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

You are tired of carrying your laptop with projector? Maybe you can consider with this device. Allcam has released its latest pico projector with special features. It is running on Windows CE powered.

Allcam CP1 is not just the projector, but also a handheld computer device. It has resolution of VGA (640 x 480 pixels), a 10 Lumens White LED lightsource brightness. Inside of Allcam CP1 projector is capable projects images up to 60-inch in size onto a white wall or pojection screen with white LED lamps.

The main body of Allcam CP1 pocket computer is provides two mini USB slots (one of them is capable connect to computer). Allcam CP1 can become a full replacement of computer, but it is very convenient for those who, for example, do not want to bring laptop at a business meeting. The Allcam CP1 has brings a touchpad as seems to notebook, support for mini-USB external mouse/keyboard.

Allcam CP1 is boasts 64MB of internal memory, built-in speakers, and its battery is provides up to 4 hours of operations. The Allcam CP1 pocket computer has dimensions 138.5 x 58.5 x 25.0mm (5.33″ x 2.3″ x 0.99″) and weight 67g. It is available in a stylish sexy silver compact body. It also has support Internet surfing, MSN, SKYPE (Optional mini-USB WiFi adapter required).

Hyundai W243D widescreen Full HD LCD monitor

2009-10-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hyundai has introduced its latest Full HD LCD monitor in Europe, it is Hyundai W243D. This widescreen display is a 24-inch Full HD LCD monitor, an Energy Star 5.0 compliant, and two-tone piano black/white finish.

Hyundai W243D widescreen Full HD LCD monitor is use 45W of normal operation and it is provides enables height adjustment, pivoting, and it is also both vertical and horizontal tilt.

Hyundai W243D widescreen Full HD 24-inch monitor has a TN panel technology with native resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, a 300 cd/m2 brightness, a 2ms response time, and a 10000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Hyundai W243D also has features DVI, HDMI 1.3, D-Sub, and two 3W speakers. It will be starting for selling in next week and Hyundai W243D has priced at €399.

Source
Hyundai Unveiling W243D Full HD LCD Monitor with TN Panel
Too pricey for a TN

Sony Alpha A750 full-frame SLR camera

2009-10-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sony is apparently preparing to release a new digital SLR camera, Alpha A750. It takes an intermediate position between the high-end camera of Sony Alpha A850 and consumer camera of Sony Alpha A550. Sony Alpha A750 can be considered a solution in the segment of DSLR. It is assumed that resolution will be 14.6 megapixel sensor. The new Sony Alpha A750 camera will be full frame, like the Sony Alpha A850.

There is no information about full characteristics of the Sony Alpha A750. It is worth noting that the price of a new Sony Alpha A750 full frame SLRs will probably be lower than the Sony A850, but higher than the Sony A550. It is hoped that the novelty will be presented at CES 2010, which will be held in early January next year in Las Vegas.

Source
Sony DSLR-A750 Digital SLR camera

Nokia Storyplay, book with video for distance education

2009-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

Nokia, in collaboration with “Sesame Street” children’s program has developed a Storyplay. This is a hybrid of paper books, videoconferencing and video content from Sesame Street. Nokia Storyplay is created to communicate at a distance, especially between children and grandparents, if they live far from each other and rarely seen. That is, a grandparent will be able to read a book to their child and it is one of the most important ways of interaction between generations, even if it is far away.

Nokia Storyplay is enclosed in a wooden case, it has two displays, one of which is shown by Elmo from “Sesame Street” and the other is users who communicate among themselves, for example, a grandmother and a child. Inside the case is also provided for a paper book, which can be changed. In addition, there are those needed for videoconferencing components such as camera, microphone and speaker. It is not clear when Nokia will release a commercial version of the Nokia Storyplay, although the idea is very interesting.

Source
Sesame Street and Nokia Research Center explore story time for the 21st Century

HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition laptop

2009-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hewlett-Packard is proud to introduce its new 18.4-inch Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition laptop. This HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition is designed to wonderful world of entertainment and unrestrained merriment.

HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition is a liquid metallic enclosure and it is available in Espresso Black color. HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition notebook is made for glory based on its technical characteristics, which is as follows:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 720QM or 820QM
- Video Card: Nvidia GeForce GT 230M 1GB
- Up to 8GB of DDR3 memory
- Dual hard drive storage capacity up to 1 TB
- Blu-Ray burner drive
- 18.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080, support Full HD
- Web Camera
- Microphone
- Altec Lansing stereo speakers
- WiFi
- Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, eSATA, Firewire, 4 USB port, HDMI and VGA outputs
- Type of card reader 5-in-1
- fingerprint reader
- OS: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) or Professional Edition (64-bit)

It is optional choice, users can also choose additional modules Built-in HDTV hybrid tuner and Bluetooth. Dimensions of HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition are 17.16(W)x11.25(D)x1.32(min H)/1.72(max H) inch.

HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition has weighs 3.9 kg with 8-cell battery. The cost of new HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition laptop is from $1,300.

Source
HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition laptop for wonderful entertainment world

QOOQ kitchen computer with internet access

2009-10-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

The QOOQ tablet PC is a newly “tablet PC” which is focused on users reside permanently in a family kitchen for cooking.

QOOQ is a device equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen display should be used for the scheduling of meals, storing recipes of various dishes and lists of products for their preparation.

In addition, 10.2-inch QOOQ tablet PC is capable storing 500 recipes with detailed instructions and even Video tutorials, which can be followed through a wireless Internet connection or a connection over Ethernet.

There is a USB port for connection to computer, as well as a memory card slot for SD. Its source is built-in lithium-ion battery. QOOQ kitchen computer can be used as digital photo frames and translator, web radio stations and weather forecast display.

QOOQ PC has cost is $516 in Europe and $19 monthly subscription for regular recipe updates.

Source
QOOQ – Mastering the art of French cooking computers

Soyea Z5 3G mobile internet device

2009-10-31T21:48:00.001-07:00

The Chinese company, Soyea, known primarily for its televisions, has released a latest mobile internet device (MID), Z5.

New Soyea Z5 is built on the 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z515 processor, it is equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen TFT display with 480×800 pixels (WVGA), a 8GB SSD, slot for microSD memory card, miniUSB and VGA port, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR, stereo speakers, touchpad, and webcam. Soyea Z5 MID is used Windows XP or Linux OS.

In addition, the Soyea Z5 MID is equipped with 3G module, which supports work in the networks CDMA EV-DO mobile network via China Telecom operator.

Dimensions of Soyea Z5 are 155×94x23 mm and weight is approximately 350g. Cost of Soyea Z5 MID in Amazon China online store is 5999 Yuan ($878).

LG GW620 Android Phone in video and full specs

2009-10-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

There is information about LG’s first Android smartphone, LG GW620. They have get own mini-site (http://www.lg-gw620.com/) about its full specifications. It is made in the side sliders form factor with touchscreen and sliding QWERTY keyboard. LG GW620 was announced in September 2009, but a full list of features is emerged only now, at this site.

LG GW620 is a smartphone running Android 1.5 and S-Class UI from LG. In addition, it has a SNS Manager (Social Networking Service), also developed by LG. It allows user to integrate contacts from social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to the appropriate application on the phone. An interesting possibility is the recognition of individuals, the relationship between photo gallery and a list of contacts. It is expected that sales of LG GW620 in Europe is start in the Q4 of this year.

Features of LG GW620:
* Operating system Android 1.5 (Cupcake)
* Interface S-Class
* Cellular Telecommunications GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), UMTS (900/2100 MHz),
* 3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution HVGA and support for up to 262K colors
* Built-in memory 2/4GB
* Card slot microSD (up to 32GB)
* Micro USB port, 3.5 mm headphone jack
* Wireless - Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
* FM radio
* GPS receiver
* Battery capacity 1500 mAh
* Time running conversation - up to 8.1 hours (GSM), up to 7.7 hours (3G)
* Opening hours of standby time - up to 700 hours (GSM), up to 625 hours (3G)
* Dimensions - 109×54.5×15.9 mm
* Weight - 139 grams

Sony Ericsson Aino, $599.99 unlocked hits USA

2009-10-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson launched the North American market for unlocked (without to any particular operator) version of the Sony Ericsson Aino. Until now, the Sony Ericsson Aino has been available only to residents of the UK complete with a contract, the Vodafone operator.

User can order now via SonyStyle online store, it is offered for $599.99.

Recall that the Sony Ericsson Aino has a sliding alphanumeric keypad and it is equipped with 3-inch touchscreen TFT display with a resolution 240×432 pixel, 8.1-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and support geotagging, stereo speakers, an accelerometer, 55MB of internal memory, a slot for microSD card (8GB card included), FM tuner, GPS receiver, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.

The main feature of Sony Ericsson Aino phone is integration with the PlayStation 3; it is capable to be used as a remote controller for Sony PlayStation 3 console. It can access hard disk where Aino can get on Wi-Fi, GPRS/EDGE or 3G connection. In addition, using the Media Go Smartphone can synchronize with PC.

Window Colors for its W26 Sorcerer’s Stone

2009-10-30T05:09:00.001-07:00

So far only available in Blue, Window's latest DAP, the W26, is now also available in 4 new colors (see below)… Except for this change, the W26 still offers pretty much the same things, with its support for MP3, WMA and WAV files as well as offering its usual 128x64 OLED

VHS Behold JVC latest VHS, Blu-Ray and HDD recorder

2009-10-30T05:08:00.001-07:00

Like a bad cold, there is stuff which stick to you forever, and VHS seems to be one such stuff which seems to stick forever…a good recent example would be JVC’s latest all in One DR-BH250, a VHS, Blu-Ray Recorder and HDD combo (250GB HDD).

On top of offering the nice above mentioned combo, our DR-BH250 has a Memory Card reader, USB port, Support AVCHD, features HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and 1080/60/24p.

The usual such combos are quite ugly and target for low-end usage. So breaking away with this pattern,
JVC decided to do an image-make-up to the product through a nice and elegant design and to upgrade it with some quite nice features.

Nintendo Officially Announces a Gaming Device

2009-10-30T05:07:00.002-07:00

A couple of days ago Nikkei announced that Nintendo would make larger DSi with a bigger LCD. Last night Nintendo officially announced their DSi LL or XL in North America and Europe. It features a larger screen, 4.2” (the actual DSi has a 3.25” screen), and a larger body with some games included (brain training related).

The DSi LL or XL doesn't promise anything to the DSi gamer owner though as we got confirmation from a source at big N that this new DSi LL/XL actually doesn't target at DS and DSI gamers, but rather at people of 45 years and over. It's a larger device with a bigger screen for easier legibility, that is capable of boosting DSi e-Books oriented software, and has a stylistic DSi stylus with the look and user-friendly feature of a real pen.

In these hard economic times and with competitors such as Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo has to win a new breed of gamers which they intend to do by rendering the system more user-friendly and hence appealing to everyone. The DSi LL and XL is a logical step that increases the gap between what we've seen since the NES/Famicom and the actual Nintendo products. Clear as day, Nintendo wishes to be the leading company in providing electronic games to everyone, at every age…

Has the Nintendo that we liked disappeared? Personally… I think so. Is this bad? Not necessarily…

Corega's the Hotway ProBox HFS2-SU2S2

2009-10-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Corega Japan announced their shiny CG-HDC4U3000 four bay enclosure that supports up to 4 2TB HDD for a total of 8TB of space (RAID0) that's connected to a PC via USB or eSATA (full speed)… Nice thing indeed, but not very new. It's been available in the Australia under a different name, the Hotway ProBox HFS2-SU2S2

Mouse Computer Japan's New CULV LuvBook LB-L350

2009-10-30T05:06:00.001-07:00

Announced for 69,800 Yen on Mouse Computer's website, here's the LuvBook LB-L350, their latest 13.3” CULV notebook. It's powered by an Celeron 743, with 4GB of RAM, 320GB of HDD, a DVD Muli Burner and 13.3” monitor with a 1366x768 resolution. The price includes Windows 7 Home Premium OS (32Bit).

Bubble Your life with Bubbly Money

2009-10-30T05:05:00.003-07:00

Back in 2008 Bandai came up with the Babuli-Bubble Bath, a set of bubble bath soaps in designed like Japanese money… Now here's the crappy USD that's not worth the paper it's printed on!

You may feel some anger here if most of your revenue is paid in this worthless money and you're living overseas… For fun or frustration, here's Bandai’s latest Babuli-Bubble Bath in the shape of US dollars.

LUXA2 PC Case LM300 Touch Pro Hits Japan

2009-10-30T05:05:00.001-07:00

I know LUXA2 is far from Japanese, but I expected to see this brand available in Japan for quite a while. Especially their LM300 Touch Pro case to replace my Antec HTPC that's under my TV… Finally this little baby is available in Japan under the LVA20052N1Z code name, and goes for… 75,000 Yen… Ouch!

If you're searching for a unique aluminum case for your HTPC with a nice 7” wide LCD (touschreen) with a 1024x768 resolution, the LM300 Touch Pro is for you!

NES Controller Business Card Case Officially Available in Japan

2009-10-30T05:04:00.005-07:00

GeekStuff4U.com just announced the availability of this stunning NES controller business card case. It seems our friends have some in stock!

If you want one, you can order now on geekstuff4U

JVC's XV-BP11: a New Budget Blu-ray Player for the US

2009-10-30T05:04:00.001-07:00

Today JVC announced the availability of a new entry-level Blu-ray player. The new JVC XV-BP11 is a truly versatile high definition player, offering playback of high definition Blu-ray discs, plus playback of the AVCHD format, the high definition format widely used for HD camcorders, including the JVC HD Everio line.

JVC XV-BP11 Features
•Playable Discs: BD-Rom, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW
•Playable Formats: AVCHD, WMV, JPEG, MP3, WMA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS HD Master Audio/Essential
•Connections:
Video: HDMI V1.3, composite
Audio: Analog L/R, coaxial, HDMI V1.3
USB Host (front panel)
•Convenience Features: Quick loading, cinema zoom (x16), parental lock, slim design

The new JVC XV-BP11 Blu-ray player is available immediately for $199.95.

Mitsubishi Electric's New 23” Diamondcrystal WIDE

2009-10-30T05:03:00.001-07:00

Here's the RDT231WM-X, Mitsubishi Electric's latest 23” monitor featuring an IPS panel with a 3.8ms response time (GTG), Full HD resolution (1920x1080), a 5000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a 300cd/m2 brightness. It has 2 HDMI, 1 DVI-D (HDCP) and 1 D-SUB Input, a dedicated remote control and will be released in Japan at the end of November.

Century Japan's New FireWire to SATA - IDE Dongle

2009-10-30T05:02:00.005-07:00

There are plenty of USB to SATA - IDE dongles available, and very few SATA - IDE to FireWires. If you're desperately looking for one, search no more! In November, Century Japan will launch the CRAISFU2, a FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 dongle supporting SATA HDDs, and both 3.5” and 2.5” IDE HDDS.

This dongle is only available in Japan, but can be ordered soon online via GeekStuff4U.com

Taxan to Release a New Ultra Compact Video Projector in Japan

2009-10-30T05:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a new compact DLP video projector from Taxan, the KG-PL011S, offering an 80” (2.41m) worth image at just 183x60x122mm and 880g. It has a SVGA resolution, a 200 lumen brightness, a USB port for direct support of JPEG files and MPEG 1/2/4, DviX, XviD and Motion Jpeg video.

WIth it you can forward audio to a stereo thanks to its FM transmitter, and it features a HDMI port. It will be available in Japan around the middle of November.

PCL-ET-MA-S, I-O Data's Latest HD-PLC LAN Converter

2009-10-30T05:01:00.002-07:00

Today I-O Data released a new set of PLC (Power Line Communication) LAN converters for easily connecting TVs (but not limited to) to the Internet, and to enjoy Japanese VOD services like acTVila.

Cool Buz, JVC’s Latest Headphones

2009-10-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

Available in six flashy colors, here's the HA-FX15, cute little headphones with an output of 106dB/1mW at 16Ω on a 10Hz to 23kHz frequency.

Buffalo BR-PX68U2-BK, Watch Burn BD

2009-10-30T04:38:00.001-07:00

Here's Buffalo's latest CD/DVD and Blu-ray disc burner, the BR-PX68U2-BK. It's an external USB 2.0 drive that burns and reads BD-R/RE or BD-R LTH 1 layer discs at a 6x maximum speed and at 4x speed BD-R/RE or BD-R LTH 2 layers discs.

It's USB powered, and weight only 340g for total size of only 137x142x20mm. It will be sold in Japan for around 31,000 Yen (€230).

Buffalo Unleashes a Faster, More Powerful NAS Upon the Geeks of Japan

2009-10-30T04:37:00.002-07:00

Here's Buffalo's LS-WXL/R1, a NAS supporting various RAID configurations, but sold by default with RAID1 and in the following capacities: 1TB, 2TB and 3TB.

Thanks to its Gigabit Ethernet port, Buffalo announced a 40.1MB/s max speed for data transmission, as well as twice smaller than the previous generation.

Of course it supports basic DLNA functions, but also implements DTCP-IP for storing and playing DTCP-IP capable copyrighted materials.

Same applies for Buffalo's LinkStationMini mini NAS also sold in RAID1 in 500GB, 1TG or 240GB (SSD), with DTCP-IP support, DLNA… Without, however, a CPU upgrade.

[FPD 2009] LG's Booth LED Backlight

2009-10-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

Far less exciting than what Samsung displayed at their Mobile Display Booth, at least LG really showed the world how thin their 47” LED Backlight TV (5.9mm) is… Anyway, we saw a selection of various AMOLED concepts and even this interesting monitor, a 13.3” In-Cell Projected Cap. Multi-touch NBPC…

But nothing jaw-braking here.

Samsung's Mobile Display AMOLED Wonderland - With Video

2009-10-30T04:36:00.001-07:00

While so far Samsung had yet to impress us, we changed our minds when we stepped into Samsung's Mobile Display booth. It was an AMOLED wonderland with some very impressive concepts, like this Hybrid Desktop Notebooks featuring a 14” WXGA or 1366x768 AMOLED screen with a brightness of 300cd/m2 and a 1000000:1 contrast ratio as well as a 2.7mm thickness.

Or this set of Netbooks with a 7” WSVGA or 1024x600 AMOLED screen, a 16:9 ratio and a brightness of 300cd/m2 and a 1000000:1 contrast ratio.

And this tiny but impressive transparent display with a 176x200 resolution and also featuring a brightness of 300cd/m2 and a 1000000:1 contrast ratio, and this curved 3.5” WVGA screen (same contrast ratio same brightness), AND this new AMOLED 3D TV with a 240HZ panel and a 3.5mm thickness.

Samsung's Plastic e-Paper and Video Capable e-Paper Concept

2009-10-30T04:35:00.001-07:00

Next to Samsung's so called, but yet proven, slimmest TV in the world, the Samsung PDF booth also had some interesting e-paper based concepts, like a video capable panel and plastic e-paper 10.1” using a reflective electrophoretic display with a 10:1 contrast ratio and a 12% reflectivity.

Samsung Falsely Claims Slimmest LED Backlight TV???

2009-10-30T04:34:00.003-07:00

Let’s tease Samsung (Korea) and their haughty staff a little. A couple of days ago Samsung claimed the slimmest LED backlight TV with the Needle Slim concept, 3.9mm, and today was the first time the Needle Slim TV was introduced to the public… If this were true we saw a 40” LED Backlight TV with a 3.6mm sticker on it. It was absolutely impossible for ANYONE to see the TV on its most advantageous side and check whether or not it was THAT slim…

We spoke to the FDP Korean manager and were told that Samsung had no way today allowing anyone to see their Needle Slim concept's thickness, and Samsung isn't ready to show it to the public…. Yeah… Right, so we have to trust them on this one… Way to go Samsung!

If I follow Samsung’s marketing methods, tomorrow I can claim whatever the hell I want without proof, and not allow anyone to check if my claims are true…

Bridgestone Announces a Flexible Touchscreen Color e-reader

2009-10-30T04:34:00.001-07:00

This morning at FDP 2009 Japan Bridgestone displayed their latest QR-LPD or Quick-Response Liquid Powered technology, this time based on a new e-Book concept with a 13.1” all color touchscreen only 5.8mm thick and a 0.8 refresh rate… While Bridgestone didn't show their color version in action, they did display both a color and black QR-LPD panel with a nice little demo video

Pioneer Acco Finally Hitting Japan in December

2009-10-30T04:33:00.000-07:00

Back in May 2009, Pioneer announced their new in-house iPOD friendly audio system, better known as ACCO. Today Pioneer announced that finally ACCO will be available in Japan (in December).

One of ACCO’s most interesting points is their iPod Touch cradle, once a DAP plug into the ACCO system, allows access to your DAP's audio library and plays anywhere at home.

Here's the ACCO A-IW001 and its ceiling speakers the S-ICH125, Pioneer's latest in-house audio system that's also iPod friendly.

Basically you have to install speakers in all the rooms you want music, and this wall mounted amp and control device (the A-IW001) and its iPod cradler lets you enjoy music all over the house and being control your tunes on the fly. If you own an iPod you could do the same with a decent pair of headphones without:

1) Having to drill a lot of holes in your house
2) Disturbing your neighbors.

RatocSystems Now Offers Six New USB 3.0 Compatible Devices

2009-10-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

Including an PCIe 1x card, an Express Card/34 and a bunch of 4 3.5” enclosures, here are RactocSystems USB 3.0 compatible devices schedule to be released in Japan December, 2009!

Was Intel not searching to postpone the USB 3.0 thingy?

NEC Announce Their First, Smallest WiMAX Router wireless

2009-10-30T04:31:00.001-07:00

Here's the AtermWM3300R, NEC's compact (94x67x22mm at 145g) new WiMAX router with embedded wireless LAN (BG). It offers Multi SSID functions as well as basic Wireless Lan Security protocols like WEP and WPA(TKIP/AES) in order to offer you the ability to connect a PC via USB or WiFi to the Internet on the go, and virtually offers a small network access to the Internet wherever you are (within WiMAX coverage area anyway).

Nintendo Set to Release a Large Screen DSi Model by Year's End

2009-10-30T04:30:00.002-07:00

What can you do when you own almost the entire market of portable gaming devices and are struggling to sell new hardware? Normally you'd have to innovate and release products way cooler and more interesting to your customers… But developing a product costs money, and Nintendo hates spending money. Like a Porsche, that has basically the same design as their first 911, Nintendo decided to offer a new DSi with a larger screen… Wait, hold a sec, isn't this what they did with the DSi a few years after the DS Lite?

Anyway, by year's end Nintendo propose a 4” DSi (compared to the 3.25” of the actual version) as well as implement a new anti-piracy system for the Chinese and South Korea markets…

Hey Nintendo, what about using all the money you made doing something mind blowing for a change?

Elecom's New Lego, Chocolate, and Cube Like USB Hubs

2009-10-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

Here's Elecom's latest USB hub, the ToyBrick Series (Lego like USB hub), available in six colors with blocks that can stacked one on top of another like real Legos.

If the ToyBrick Series isn't your thing, you can opt for the classical 4 port CubeHub or, ultimately, the 4 port Cioco Series, a chocolate like USB hUB.

Interested? Just go and check on GeekStuff4U.com, they are now uploading these new items to their catalog

Four New Types of Card Readers from Elecom

2009-10-30T04:29:00.001-07:00

This morning Elecom released four new types of card readers that support, depending on the model, 20 to 40 kinds of memory cards (including the card type by itself and various speed classes). Two of the card readers are designed to be as compact as possible, the other two (pictured below) can be attached to a metallic surface thanks to their magnetic bottoms.

Elecom's New 12 Button USB Game Controller

2009-10-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another 12 button USB controller from Elecom. The newly available JC-U3212FJ Series pad features a newly designed 2nd set of trigger buttons placed farther behind the first row of triggers, giving the JC-U3212F a better ergonomic design.

NeonPC 101IW-N, a New Neon Nippombashi Project Netbook

2009-10-26T07:59:00.003-07:00

Nippombashi is the equivalent of Akihabara in Osaka, and they have, of course, their own idol. Today "Two Top," a famous PC parts store in Akihabara and Osaka, announced their new NeonPC 101IW-N pimped with the Neon Nippombashi Project idol.

It's powered by an Intel Atom N280, 1GB of RAM, 250GB of HDD, Intel 945GSE Chipset, WiFI BG, a 10” WSVGA LCD and sold with Windows 7 Starter.

DosPara Gives You a Taste of Madobe Nanami, the Windows 7 Japanese Idol

2009-10-26T07:59:00.001-07:00

Available for the m-Book D910 and TW812B Series, the Official Windows 7 Japanese mascot, Madobe Nanami, is now also available with the Prime Galleria GT Notebook, in the form of a dedicated wallpaper, Windows Media Center skin and tuner lid cover.

The Prime Galleria GT Notebook is a BTO PC available with a Core 2 Duo CPU P8700 By default, a 15.4” WXGA LCD, a GeForce GT 130M, 4GB of RAM, 500GB of HDD, DVD Super Multi, WiFi ABGN and Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit.

LG Soon to Power Your VW Audio System

2009-10-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday (working even on the weekend in Korea?) LG announced they closed a deal with VW in order to integrate LG Technology in future VW cars by 2012… It's interesting to note that this deal was made with “Volkswagen Group of Wolfsburg,” and I wonder if this only includes VW cars or other makers like Porsche, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini…

LG Closes One of the Largest Audio Systems Deal with Volkswagen
Seoul, October 25, 2009 - LG Electronics, a leading provider of business solutions, today announced that it has reached an agreement with the Volkswagen Group of Wolfsburg, Germany to become one of the leading suppliers of car audio systems for three of Volkswagen’s automobile brands starting in 2012. The deal with Volkswagen, currently the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world and the largest in Europe, is worth approximately US$370 million.

LG will be one of the largest suppliers of audio systems for three different automobile brands under the Volkswagen Group -- Volkswagen in Germany, SEAT in Spain and Škoda in the Czech Republic. This significant deal is a result of an ongoing collaboration between the two companies since a 2007 partnership in car audio systems. LG Electronics is now a major global provider of car infotainment solutions as a result of these deals.

LG’s car audio systems display information from various electronic control units inside the vehicle and provide diagnostics reporting on the condition of components including speakers, antenna and other peripheral devices. It also helps users easily connect to external media via Bluetooth, USB and SD. In addition, the Color Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT LCD) provides clear images and the dual-tuner system boosts radio reception.

Iriver Japan's New, Ultra Limited Swarovski Crystallized Hello Kitty Music Player

2009-10-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're all familiar with Iriver's Hello Kitty Music Player, a cute little 2GB DAP made for you Hello Kitty fans around the world… But the question on Iriver Japan's mind for quite awhile now is, how to turn this SO cute DAP into a really amazingly cute DAP?

The answer?

To tune-up this baby with Swarovski Crystal… Gorgeous isn’t it ?

Samsung Unveils Their 3mm thin 40” LED Backlight TV

2009-10-26T07:56:00.001-07:00

Here's the Samsung “Needle Slim," a 3mm thin 40” Full HD LED Backlight TV, featureing a 120Hz LCD panel and a 5000:1 contrast ratio… It hasn't been released yet, but Samsung is hoping to do so ASAP.

LG X-Note R590, a New i7 Powered Notebook from Korea

2009-10-26T07:55:00.003-07:00

LG today announced their new X-NOTE R590, powered by an i7 CPU (820QM or 720QM), and featuring 4GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce CT 230M with 1024MB of VRAM, a 15.6” LED Backlight monitor with a 1600x900 resolution, 500GB of HDD, WiFI ABGN and with Windows 7 Home Premium as well as AION an MMORPG.

Cowon's Ultra Slim iAUDIO 9 to Hit Japan in December

2009-10-26T07:55:00.001-07:00

This 8.9mm thin iAUDIO 9 DAP, a little Cowon Korea wonder, is now scheduled to be released in Japan the middle of next month with either 8GB of memory (14,800 Yen – €10 or 16GB of internal memory (17,800 Yen – €129).

It weights only 40g and has a size of 95x43x8.9mm, support sMP3, WMA, FLAC, OGG, APE and WAV audio files and WMV and AVI (DviX) video. It features a tiny little 2” TFT screen with a 320x240 resolution. Definitely not an iPod Touch killer but you're more of an iPod classic customer and want something light and slim, the iAUDIO 9 cound definitely be a very nice alternative…

JVC’s New portable Speaker for TV

2009-10-26T07:54:00.001-07:00

With a growing aging population, it's not strange seeing a manufacturer like JVC target a more mature audience. Today they're coming to us with a portable speaker for TV, the SP-A35M-S. It's designed to offer louder and clearer sound to your TV and you get closer to your TV’s speaker, thanks to a 5m long audio cable, without having to get closer to the TV.

The SP-A35M-S features a 57mm driver unit with a maximum output of 160mW and powered by 2 AA batteries.

Panasonic's Night Color Series, when White Turns Black

2009-10-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

For December Panasonic announced the Night Color Series, a new “Carbon Black” series of house appliances that includs fridge, microwave, rice cooker… Nothing amazing per se, but having the entire series could make your house really unique from others.

Yinlips' YDP800 “Phantom” a New “PMP, Video Projector

2009-10-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

The Yinlips YDP800, aka “Phantom,” is the ultimate all in one pocket device for those wishing to travel light but fully loaded. Supporting both basic music and video player functions, it's also a fully capable game consoles and supports many games from NES, GBA, GB, GBC, SMC SFC… as well as a nice 12 lumen video projector for watching movies on the go.

The YDP800 also features a 3.5” LCD, an IR remote, USB OTG, supports microSD up to 16GB at only 300g…

Impressive little beast only available in China so far…

Media Vehicle, Your Personal Virtual Reality Cocoon

2009-10-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Developed by the Iwata-Yano Laboratory at Tsukuba University, the Media Vehicle is a personal virtual reality cocoon. Its occupant faces a huge spherical display projecting videos and image feed shots with a camera held, at this presentation, by a student around the media vehicle. Equipped with four wheels, the media vehicle provides its rider the minimum movement sensation required to make the overall experience complete.

Lumix GF1, Redefining Power and Compactness - The Review

2009-10-24T00:14:00.001-07:00

The Lumix GF1 is Panasonic's latest micro four thirds camera and their most compact… While I haven't tested too many micro four thirds, I got the chance to play with a G1, GH1 and Olympus E-P1 and got a pretty good idea of what to expect… Hey, after all I'm the proud owner of a GH1 which happens to be my dedicated camera when shooting most of my Let’s Visit Tokyo videos (some were shot with our beloved 5D MK II). So far I'm impressed with the Micro Four Thirds Technology, and the GF1 literally blows my mind and gave me a lot of satisfaction.

Panasonic Lumix GH1 Specs
- 20mm + 7-14mm + 14-140mm HD Lens with optical image stabilizer
- 12.1 Megapixel resolution
- Live MOS Sensor
- 720/30p with HDMI 1080i output
- 3” Free-angle LCD
- ISO Range : Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / Intelligent ISO

First Impression
The GF1 is the direct competitor to the Olympus E-P1, and while I was very pleased with the E-P1 overall GF1 body quality is even better. Slightly lighter and smaller that the E-P1, the GF1 is also made from better material and we like the E-P1 has a metallic body that feels comfortable/good in your hands. Despite its compact size, the GF1 tries to keep the same ergonomics as its older brother. If you own or have used a GH1, the GF1 isn't much different in terms of button design, with an exception with the Q.MENU button, placed differently and and hard to get used to… Same applies for the video recording button placed next to the shutter… Both the GF1 and GH1 share the same menu, UI and so on.

Like the E-P1, the GF1 doesn't feature a viewfinder, its 3” LCD is really fantastic and way better than the Olympus'. If you really feel the need for a viewfinder you can get an optional one that you can place on top of the camera where you would usually place an additional Cobra style flash.

The Olympus E-P1 is very well built, but I was very disappointed by its lens quality that felt cheap, mainly due to choice of plastic… Panasonic gave their lenses, both the 20mm, 7-14mm and 14-140mm HD lens the best attention possible, and each feels just right, like a real professional lens, something that once gives you’re the satisfaction and shoots some excellent photos and videos.

NEC Introduces Four New Data Projectors

2009-10-24T00:13:00.001-07:00

NEC just introduced four View Light Series data projectors, the NP215J (2500 Lumens), NP210J (2200 Lumens), NP115J (2500 Lumens) and NP110J (2200 Lumens).

The NP215J and NP210J feature a 0.55 inch DLP panel with a XGA resolution (1024x768 ), while the NP115J and NP110J offers a SVGA resolution (800x600). Other specs are nothing very impressive, a contrast ratio of 2000:1, an image size of 30 - 300 inch (distance of 1.18 - 13.2m)
.
These projectors come with a 180W lamp providing an life span of 5000hrs.

Dimensions: 310 x 247 x 95mm
Mass: 2.5kg
Price:
- NP215J: 80,000 Yen, or €590
- NP210J: 70,000 Yen, or €515
- NP115J: 60,000 Yen, or €445
- NP110J: 55,000 Yen or €405

PMW-350K: Sony's Latest Shoulder Mount Camcorder Got a Price

2009-10-24T00:12:00.001-07:00

Sony announced price and availability for their new XDCAM EX shoulder-mounted PMW-350K and PMW-350L (Nue) camcorders.

Dedicated to professional use, the XDCAM EX PMW-350 features three 2/3 inch-type Exmor™ full HD CMOS sensors, HD-SDI, HDMI out as well as a DVCAM recording option, and a 3.5-inch LCD monitor
Regarding recording format, the PMW-350K can shoot in MPEG-2 Long GOP HQ, MPEG-2 MP@HL SP, MPEG-2 MP@H14 SD mode on a 32GB SxS memory card. PMW-350K model offers customers a lens package, equipped with an HD lens with 16x zoom and a standard 2/3-inch bayonet lens interface

Available January 10th for a price 2.31 million yen, or €.17,000

Dimensions (W x H x D): 124 x 269 x 332 mm (5 x 10 5/8 x 13 1/8 inches)
Mass: 3.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz) (body)

Asus Upgrades Their Eee PC with Windows 7

2009-10-24T00:11:00.001-07:00

Asus just upgraded their EeePC 1005 series netbooks with Windows 7 Starter. The 1005HR-WS, a 10.1-inch netbook now comes with an Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz) CPU, 1GB of memory, an Intel 945GSE Express chipset, 250GB of HDD, as well as Wifi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, webcamera, 3 USB ports. Asus announced a price of 49,800 Yen.

The 1005HE-WS250 provides a WSVGA resolution (1024x600) instead of 1366x768, and the 1005HE-WS160 will get 160GB of HDD instead of 250GB…

Panasonic Introduces 24GB and 32GB SDHC Cards

2009-10-24T00:10:00.002-07:00

Panasonic just introduced new Class 4 SDHC memory cards of 24GB (RP-SDP24GJ1K) and 32GB (RP-SDP32GJ1K), both dedicated for HD cameras.

With a maximum transfer rate of 15MB/s, the 24GB version should allow you to record three hours of video, while the 32GB version will let you shoot around four hours..

Available November 14th.

UL20A & UL80AG: Asus Launches New CULV Notebooks with Windows 7

2009-10-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

Asus announced the availability in Japan of their new UL20A, and UL80AG notebooks.
The first is a CULV 12.1 inch notebook featuring an Intel Celeron SU2300 CPU (1.2GHz), an Intel GS45 Express Chipset, 2GB of RAM (up to 4GB), 320GB of HDD, as well as Wifi b/g/n, Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1, and a web camera. Expect something like 59,800 yen, or €440.

The UL80AG-WX010VS (high-end model) is a 14-inch notebook with a resolution of 1,366x768, an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 (1.4GHz) CPU, an Intel GS45 Express, 2GB of RAM, 320GB of HDD, a DVD superMulti Drive, a battery life span of 11.4h. For the other specs, our notebook features the wifi b/g/n, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1, Webcamera, Multi-Card reader… 129,800 Yen, or €958.

Sharp Develops Solar Cell with World’s Highest Conversion Efficiency of 35.8%

2009-10-23T04:30:00.003-07:00

Sharp Corporation has achieved the world’s highest solar cell conversion efficiency of 35.8% using a triple-junction compound solar cell.

Unlike silicon-based solar cells, the most common type of solar cell in use today, the compound solar cell utilizes photo-absorption layers made from compounds consisting of two or more elements such as indium and gallium. Due to their high conversion efficiency, compound solar cells are used mainly on space satellites. Since 2000, Sharp has been advancing research and development on a triple-junction compound solar cell that achieves high conversion efficiency by stacking three photo-absorption layers.

To boost the efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells, it is important to improve the crystallinity (the regularity of the atomic arrangement) in each photo-absorption layer (the top, middle, and bottom layer). It is also crucial that the solar cell be composed of materials that can maximize the effective use of solar energy.

Hitachi New 3000 lumens Super Short Focus 3LCD projector

2009-10-23T04:30:00.001-07:00

Introduced in Japan during last CEATEC 2009, here you are Hitachi latest super short focus 3LCD video projector the CP-A200J.

Thanks to its newly develop design, our CP-A200J can project a 80” worth image just 63cm away from it source and still offer a bright image (3000 Lumens), while there are no price available yet for this little wonder, Hitachi is planning to sell this baby starting December first in Japan.

JVC HA-S800 with Carbon housing

2009-10-23T04:29:00.001-07:00

JVC released this morning the HA-S800, a new headphone with carbon housing and 40mm diameter drive unit offering a 32Ω 115dB/mW on a 8Hz to 26kHz reproduction bandwidth.
Thanks to its Carbon housing our HA-S800 offers unique ability in bass reproduction.

FunBrella brings you Virtual Rain anytime anywhere

2009-10-23T04:28:00.001-07:00

Let’s imagine for a second that you love rain THAT much that you goes nuts when the sky is blue... So what will you do if you can no longer enjoy the feeling of the rain falling on your umbrella anymore? Well Just go and chat with to some folks at the Osaka University and they will come with the FunBrella for you…

The FunBrella turns any umbrella in a Virtual Rain maker and like any one carrying an umbrella under the rain or heavy rain you will both feel the water dropping on your umbrella and even ear it anytime anywhere…

And Osaka University went even further, since this umbrella could transmit to another Funbrella what you're going through... Suppose you are in Japan and your girlfriend lives in the US... you would like to share with her the big hail falling on your Umbrella... In this case, she'll just have to open her FunBrella (even the sun is shining), and hear the hail falling on your head...

Ok, well I don’t know what they smoke over there in Osaka, but WOW sound terrific!

Pantech “Reveal” Leads AT&T’s Holiday Line Up

2009-10-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

The “Reveal” is Pantech's latest Smartphone for the US Market with a full-featured double keyboard (slide in QWERTY), including a GPS, 3G support, Opera Mini and will be sold for $79.99 USD or free on a two year contract.

The U.S.-based subsidiary of Pantech Group, one of Korea’s largest mobile phone manufacturers – today announced the launch of Reveal, a full-feature double-keyboard phone, optimized for texting and emailing friends, flirts or family members, and surfing the Web. Reveal is the first in AT&T’s new line of quick messaging phones to hit stores, and is another example of an exciting Pantech handset at an attractive price. Available today in a glossy red or blue, Reveal is a perfect gift for any trendsetting teen or tween.

Reveal is a slim, responsive slider that features an open-faced numeric keypad on the front of the phone which glides up to uncover a full keyboard underneath. Uniquely, both sets of keys stay active simultaneously, giving users fast access to numbers and letters at the same time – providing a truly quick messaging experience. Ideal for updating statuses with new pictures and videos, texting, IMing or emailing friends, Reveal keeps everyone connected to their digital life at every moment of the day. All of this happens at the speed of 3G, which makes playing and managing music and videos a breeze.
Reveal is one of the first phones to come preloaded with AT&T’s new HTML mobile browser and att.net home page, which combines the best of full and fast HTML browsing with custom features for personalizing favorite bookmarks and local searches.

Reveal features a wide range of cool options that include:
• Two, Always-active Keyboards – Full QWERTY and numeric keyboards stay active when both are open to make writing messages with numbers and letters easier than ever.
• Music and Video – Discover, play, store and manage your favorite music and video using AT&T’s portfolio of mobile music services, including Napster & eMusic Mobile.
• 3G Speeds – The nation’s fastest 3G network makes browsing the Web, updating your status, and streaming music and video fast and enjoyable.
• Navigation – AT&T Navigator provides voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions in real time.
• Video Recording and Picture Taking – Take and share pics and video clips using AT&T’s Video Share calling.
“We set out to do something different with Reveal, and we are confident that we have created a phone that provides our customers a fantastic messaging and browsing experience,” said Patrick Beattie, vice president of sales and marketing, Pantech Wireless, Inc. “Also, by including two full keyboards that work at the same time, users can now maximize voice calls and data use.”

In step with the launch of Reveal, Pantech is hosting a contest on Facebook. Beginning today, and running for the next five days, Pantech will be giving away Reveal phones. Anyone who becomes a fan of Pantech by visiting www.facebook.com/PantechUSA, and makes a Reveal-related post on the Fan Page Wall is eligible. A new winner will be announced every twenty-four hours.
Reveal is currently available for $79.99 after a two-year contract and an AT&T Promotion Card mail-in-rebate of $50 at AT&T company-owned stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. For more information about Pantech products, please visit www.pantechusa.com.

Samsung Provides LTE Devices to TeliaSonera for World’s First 4G-LTE Service Commercialization

2009-10-23T04:24:00.001-07:00

4G/LTE, every geek on Earth's dream. If you want to enjoy this 4G madness, you'll have to move to one of the countries with 4G support where operators like TeliaSonera will give you a “speed” fix with the Samsung GT-B3710, the world's first USB LTE device…

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leading mobile phone and equipment provider, today announced a contract with TeliaSonera to provide Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices. LTE technology is one of the most anticipated technologies for 4thgeneration (4G) mobile service in the telecommunications industry. According to the contract between Samsung and TeliaSonera, a leading telecommunication service provider in the Nordic and Baltic countries and the emerging markets of Eurasia head-quartered in Sweden, Samsung will provide mobile broadband devices for commercial service in Sweden and Norway next year.

“We are very pleased to work together with TeliaSonera for this historic step forward in the modern telecommunications industry. With TeliaSonera’s initiation of LTE service, we hope more consumers to enjoy advanced mobile broadband service much earlier than expected,” said JK Shin, executive vice president and head of the Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is committed to providing the best and the latest LTE devices to TeliaSonera and will fully support the commercial service in Sweden and Norway next year.”

“The 4G modems from Samsung will play a very important part of our 4G launch in Sweden and Norway,” says Kenneth Karlberg, President and Head of Mobility Services, TeliaSonera. “We look forward to sharing Samsung’s world leading mobile experience and that we together will offer our customers a whole new way of enjoying mobility services.”

The Samsung LTE device (Model name: GT-B3710) is expected to be the world’s first LTE device. The device is a USB stick that can be connected to a laptop computer, or other portable devices. The USB stick incorporates Samsung’s in-house developed LTE modem chip, branded Kalmia, and supports 2.6GHz band for LTE service.

With this contract, Samsung has again demonstrated its leadership in advanced mobile technology within the mobile industry and telecommunication standardization communities. Samsung’s LTE solution is fully compliant with the latest 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) LTE Release 8 (Rel- standard. Based on its number of contributions, Samsung ranks as one of the top companies within the 3GPP, the association that specified the LTE standard. Samsung also has four seats on the wireless networking standardization working group executive board.

Hell Freezes Over, DoCoMo Offers a ROM Update for One of Thier Smartphones

2009-10-23T04:23:00.002-07:00

One thing in Japan that pissed me off for years (8 in total) is the lack of ROM updates for Windows Mobile devices… During the pocket PC era, when Compaq, then HP and other manufacturers, provided ROM updates for their PDAs Japanese manufacturers claimed that ROM updates were impossible and pushed you to purchase a new PDA instead… Later on, HTC via DoCoMo and Softbank did the same. If you wanted a ROM update you'd have to invest in new device while in the rest of the world you could get an upgrade… Basically, if you were/are a Windows Mobile user in Japan you're badly screwed… Operators don't provide free ROM upgrades on Windows Mobiles devices…

Pissed by this lack of support from Microsoft, HTC and mobile phone operators, a year or so ago I asked Microsoft why? Why can't we get proper ROM upgrades? Apparently, before the iPhone was launched in Japan, it was impossible for mobile phone manufacturers to provide ROM upgrades (via Push or download) without loosing their phone certification given by the Japanese government… Once a phone is approved here in Japan, the manufacturer isn't allowed to change it in any way without loosing this certification… Since the certification process is a real pain, everyone gave up on offering ROM updates.

While this certification problem still exists, it appears that iPhones, and now Android phones, in Japan (HT-03A) are immune. After Apple updated their iPhone's OS several times in the last year or so (Softbank), now the giant DoCoMo is offering an upgrade from Android 1.5 to 1.6 via download (from the device itself)…

Now I'd like to ask to DoCoMo, Softbank, AU, HTC and Microsoft what the hell is going on? Why don’t you offer ROM upgrades, even a paid ones, while others, like Apple and Google, offers them in Japan? Apparently the certification process isn't that tough, maybe Microsoft doesn't care much about the Japanese market after all?

LG Releases Their New Ultra Thin Windows 7 Powered T380

2009-10-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

With a thickness of only 25mm and a total weight of 1.89kg, the X-Note T380 is the latest 13.3” with LED backlight ultra thin notebook from LG in Korea. The T380 is powered by a Core 2 Duo SU7300, has 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an Intel GMA 4500MHD graphic chipset, 500GB of HDD, Wifi AGN and sold with Windows 7 Home Premium…

In addition to the X-Note T380, LG Korea announced the upgrade to Windows 7 as well for its X-Note P510 (released in Korea in of February 2009).

Toshiba's Dynario Fuel-Cell, the Future is NOW !

2009-10-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

Well next week actually, but WOW!!! Finally someone has the courage and give us, ultra hardcore geeks, the chance to play with fuel cell technology for real! Limited to only 3000 units and sold at 298,000 Yen (and 3,150 Yen for each fuel cartridge), the Dynaro allows you to recharge. “any” mobile device on the go and in the most elegant and hyped way possible…

To Toshiba engineers and folks working there… Congrats and well done!

JVC's Stylish New iPod Cradle Speaker

2009-10-23T04:21:00.001-07:00

JVC seems to be quite productive lately, and I admit their new XS-SR3 Series (White and Black), made for iPods (Mini, Nano, Photo, Video, Classic and Touch) is really beautiful… Just look at it, JVC hired some talented designers, and on top of all always offers excellent audio products…

Anyway, back to our XS-SR3 series, a 2.5Wx2 cradle speaker, features an analog and digital external input, DSP and even sports the Virtual Dolby Surround logo!

Thanks to its remote you can fully control your music experience from the comfort of your sofa…

Kohjinsha PA Series Ready to Ship!

2009-10-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

We met the PA Series for the first time the at CEATEC 2009. A nice ATOM based MID with 512MB of RAM, 32GB of SSD, Wi-Fi, Web camera, 1Seg TV tuner and a 4.8” touch screen (running Windows XP)… And while it was very interesting, we haven't got a final release in Japan... Until today!

Yep, finally Kohjinsha released their price list and shipping schedule for the PA Series in Japan and if you're around Tokyo in two weeks you'll have the chance to buy one at your nearest Yodobashi Camera store. If you're not living in Japan, the best place to get one is here online via GeekStuff4U.com!

Yamaha Leading the Way in EV Vehicles

2009-10-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

Toyota is number one and a leader when it comes to hybrid cars and others, including Nissan, are catching up with their EV vehicles… But rest assured, companies that usually get more involved in the two wheel world, like Yamaha, also some nice things to show, like the “PAS er," a two wheel drive electric bicycle.